The United States military said Saturday it conducted an airstrikes in Somalia on Friday, killing nine al-Shabab terrorists.

newsideThe U.S. Africa Command (Africom) said the no civilian was killed in the latest drone strike which was carried out in coordination with Somali government near Lebede in the Horn of Africa nation.

It said the American forces will use all effective and appropriate methods to protect the Somali people, including partnered military counter-terror operations with Somali government, Africa Union Mission in Somalia and Somali National Army forces.

The al-Qaida allied terrorist group continues to hold parts of the country's south and central regions after being chased out of Mogadishu several years ago.

Somali and African Union peacekeeping forces have also intensified military operations against the insurgents, flushing them in their Lower and Middle Shabelle region bases as part of efforts to stabilize the Horn of Africa nation.